refund Archives

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

How Gaming Is Regulated On Android’s App Store

The Google Play Store offers millions of mobile games and enforces strict regulations to ensure user safety and legal compliance. These regulations cover content policies, monetization practices, data protection, technical requirements, and regional compliance. Games must adhere to content policies that prohibit hate speech, excessive violence, and misrepresentation, and must be rated by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Monetization strategies require developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases and disclose pricing and refund policies. Gambling games must have the necessary licenses and disclose odds for loot boxes. Data privacy guidelines mandate clear communication about data collection and user consent. Technical standards require games to function well across devices and be free from security threats. Google employs automated and manual reviews to enforce compliance, with consequences for violations ranging from warnings to permanent bans. Regional compliance is necessary, particularly in areas with strict regulations like China and the EU.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Best Antivirus for Mac for 2025

Bitdefender Ultimate Security for MacOS achieved a 100% detection rate for threats in AV-Test conducted in December 2024. It operates with minimal resource consumption, with slight slowdowns during software installations similar to other third-party antivirus tools. The software protects against malware, including ransomware and phishing attacks, and includes AI-powered anti-scam features. The Ultimate Security package offers tools beyond MacOS's built-in XProtect, including a VPN, adblocker with anti-tracking, and a password manager. It provides identity protection by monitoring data leaks and alerts users if their information appears on the Dark Web, covering up to five devices across MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Higher-tier packages for US residents offer identity theft and financial fraud protection, with coverage up to million. The pricing starts at .99 for the first year, renewing at .99 annually, with mid-tier and highest-tier plans priced at .99 and .99 for the first year, respectively, offering additional identity theft coverage and credit monitoring services.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Spectre Divide maker Mountaintop is shutting down

Mountaintop Studios, the developer of Spectre Divide, is closing down due to challenges in maintaining its player base and generating revenue after an initial surge of 400,000 players following the game's release in September 2024. The studio explored options such as seeking a publisher or additional funding, but these efforts were unsuccessful. They plan to take Spectre Divide offline within the next 30 days and will refund players who made in-game purchases. CEO Nate Mitchell expressed gratitude to the community and acknowledged the dedication of the indie team in developing the game, which was intended to be innovative and original. Despite improvements made after critical feedback, the game did not achieve financial success. Mountaintop Studios was founded in 2020, and Mitchell reflected on the invaluable experience gained during their journey, despite the outcome not meeting their hopes.

Tech Optimizer

March 10, 2025

Refunds Headed to Users Who Fell for Fake Antivirus, Computer Repair Scams

Restoro and Reimage will pay over million to settle allegations of misleading consumers into subscribing to their computer repair services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will distribute 6,375 to over 700,000 affected consumers, particularly older adults, who were misled by deceptive pop-up ads claiming their computers had issues. The FTC's investigation revealed that these companies provided false antivirus alerts and recommended expensive repair plans. Payments to eligible consumers will be issued via PayPal on March 13 and 14, with recipients advised to redeem their payments within 30 days. Both companies are now prohibited from misrepresenting security or performance issues and engaging in deceptive telemarketing practices, and their websites have been taken offline.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

7 PC gaming scandals you forgot about

Batman: Arkham Knight was pulled from sale within 24 hours of its PC launch due to severe performance issues, leading to a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam after months of fixes. Kerbal Space Program 2, developed by Intercept Games, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews since its early access launch in 2023, raising ethical questions about its availability. Newegg sold a faulty motherboard to Gamers Nexus and refused a refund, leading to a series of videos and a meeting between the two parties. 38 Studios, founded by Curt Schilling, secured a million loan from Rhode Island but filed for bankruptcy after failing to deliver on its MMO project, Project Copernicus, following the underwhelming performance of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. iBUYPOWER was involved in a match-fixing scandal during a 2014 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive match, resulting in Valve taking action against the players. Cyberpunk 2077's launch was plagued by bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles, despite high expectations. Blood II: The Chosen was launched prematurely by GT Interactive, leading to a damaged reputation and the abandonment of the franchise.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

FTC rules Avast customers entitled to $16.5 million settlement — how to claim your share

If you purchased Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020, you should take immediate action due to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlement of .5 million for privacy violations. Avast collected personal information through its software and sold it via a subsidiary, Jumpshot, without user consent. Affected customers will receive an email from the FTC by March 7, and they can file claims online until June 5, 2025. Payments will depend on the number of claims and are expected to be distributed in 2026. For assistance, a refund administrator can be contacted at 1-866-290-0165. Affected customers are also advised to consider identity theft protection and monitor their credit reports.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

FTC Announces Refund Claims Process for Avast Customers Impacted by Deceptive Privacy Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint against Avast for deceptive marketing practices related to its antivirus software, claiming it misled users about protecting their privacy while collecting and selling browsing data. As part of a settlement, Avast will pay .5 million to compensate affected consumers and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with emails expected by March 7, 2025. Eligible individuals can file claims online by June 5, 2025, without needing to pay or provide sensitive information. The FTC has also reported over million in refunds to consumers in 2024.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

If you use Avast’s antivirus software, you might be owed money — here’s how to get it

In 2020, Avast faced backlash for collecting user data without adequate disclosure and selling it to over a hundred companies through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Investigations revealed vulnerabilities in their anonymization process, allowing users to be re-identified. In response to public outcry, Avast shut down Jumpshot and CEO Ondrej Vlcek apologized. The FTC initiated an investigation, resulting in penalties for Avast in February 2024, including a ban on selling user data and a settlement of .5 million. Customers who purchased Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for a refund, with emails containing Claim Numbers sent starting February 24, 2025. Refund amounts will depend on the number of claims filed.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

Avast to pay $16.5 million to antivirus software users: How to claim, deadline, and other details

Avast has reached a settlement with the FTC, agreeing to pay .5 million to users due to allegations of misleading privacy claims while collecting and selling user data through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Approximately 3,690,813 consumers who purchased Avast's antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020 are eligible for compensation. Eligible consumers must file claims by June 5, 2025, and refunds are expected to be processed by mail in 2026. Payments will vary based on the number of claims submitted.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

Millions of Avast antivirus software customers are getting a refund. Here’s why.

Millions of Americans who purchased antivirus software from Avast may be eligible for compensation following a .5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Approximately 3.7 million customers who acquired Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 are affected. The FTC claims Avast collected extensive personal information from users, including religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, locations, and financial status, and sold this data without user consent to over 100 third parties through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Affected consumers will receive emails about their eligibility to apply for compensation, and claims can be submitted online until June 5. Payments are expected to be distributed in 2026, with the amount depending on the total number of claims filed.